That Weekend in Kaponga

Over two years ago, I helped put together a catalogue for a "Complete Dispersal" cow sale (A Cattle-Og). When completed, I was invited to the event. It was in a very small town in South Taranaki. Several generations of award-winning breeding came to an end and was to be sold off entirely. It was way busier than expected and was broadcast live to the food barn and the internet for international bidders. 

It was actually quite a big deal and we spent the weekend down there sketching the sale and the town. Instead of posting them online as usual, I put them aside. In 2020, I put them all together and digitally painted (coloured) the cow sale sketches. The final piece was 1x1 metre and was entered into the 'Homework' art show at the New Plymouth museum, Puke Ariki. It was chosen and is still there until the 8th of February. 

After the Covid lockdown in New Zealand, I think that lots of people forgot that they can go out to see art shows and stuff like that again. If you're in New Plymouth over the holiday period, you should check it out.

Day trip into the eastern Taranaki farmland

 A trip into the farming area of Tarata and Purangi , inland  between Waitara and Inglewood , Taranaki NZ. This follows the Waitara river and included large stands of native bush , river flats and hill country. I came across a muster of sheep, the farmer slowed the droving to allow time for photos and quick roadside sketches. He was wondering what I was doing this far from town in my MX5 sportscar !  .  The old shed was dark with green covering the original red-shed paint work. Still looked great.  MLB